By Rob Gill CORINTHIA BUDAPEST
THE CORINTHIA has made much of its association with Wes Anderson’s recent hit film The Grand Budapest Hotel, starring Ralph Fiennes. The movie focuses on a fictional hotel, but Anderson spent time at the Corinthia doing research. The real hotel dates from 1896, but was rebuilt in the early 2000s, with only the original facade being maintained.
Erzsebet Korut 43-49, Budapest H-1073, Hungary Tel: +36 1 479 4000 •
corinthia.com
ROOMS: 440 rooms including 31 suites and 26 serviced apartments. Rooms start at a comfortable 28sqm and I stayed in an Executive King room offering a spacious 34sqm with marble bathroom featuring separate bath and shower. An executive room offers private check-in. The lounge is open for breakfast, as well as snacks and drinks throughout the day. RESTAURANTS AND BARS: The Brasserie and Atrium restaurant is the largest dining option, and has an extensive buffet breakfast. Other eateries include the pan- Asian Rickshaw restaurant and the intimate Bock Bistro, offering a range of Hungarian dishes and wine. Le Bar is the place for a nightcap while Orfeum Club hosts cabaret performances. Royal Cafe serves traditional cakes and tarts, and light lunches. BUSINESS FACILITIES: The historic Grand Ballroom – originally one of Hungary’s
first cinemas – can host up to 500 delegates theatre- style or a banquet for 300 people. The ballroom is linked to the Valletta Exhibition Centre, which has a total of 2,700sqm of space across 31 rooms. Wifi is free, and included in all rooms and conference facilities, and was fairly robust and quick. LEISURE FACILITIES: The Royal Spa lives up to its name with a spectacular, refurbished art deco 15m pool as the centrepiece. Spa services take place in seven treatment rooms. There is also a well-equipped fitness room, sauna, steam bath and whirlpool bath. VERDICT: This grand hotel has all the comforts and conveniences a modern refurbishment brings, without losing its character or charm. Service is excellent and its central location makes it a good option for both business travellers and meetings delegates.
By Paul Revel
AMERICAN AIRLINES B777-300ER business class Heathrow to Los Angeles LAX
THE NEW BUSINESS CLASS cabin product on the B777- 300ER was launched last year. Its 1-2-1 layout, privacy and fully-flat seats mean it can seriously compete with its European and Middle Eastern rivals.
CHECK IN AND LOUNGE: Flagship check- ins are normally exclusive for first-class passengers, but business class from LHR is an anomaly – you use the one just outside the T3 building. I then passed quickly through fast-track security to the Admirals Club lounge: lots of seating, with powerpoints, workstations, a full bar, hot snacks and spacious shower rooms. SERVICE: Once on board and seated, after a ten-minute wait my jacket was taken to be hung up, and I was served
BUYINGBUSINESSTRAVEL.COM
Gosset Brut Excellence champagne. Lunch included prosciutto ham, salad with beetroot and blue cheese, and tarragon chicken with truffle mash potatoes. There’s a help-yourself counter for snacks during the 10hr 50min flight, and a light meal before landing. THE SEAT: I flew in a window seat (10J) and found it a very private, comfortable space, not dissimilar to the first class cubicle. There’s a decent amount of storage space and the in-flight entertainment system is
good, with a choice of entertainment on the 15.5in screen, and noise-cancelling headphones. The seat has a UK mains socket, a USB port and an amenity kit with Akhassa products. Onboard wifi costs US$19 for the duration of the flight. VERDICT: Comfort, dining, entertainment and service were all of high quality. The herringbone-shaped 1-2-1 layout is key, as everyone has aisle access, which goes a long way to making a decent business class in today’s market.
BBT JULY/AUGUST 2014 83
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